John Harper was born on 29th May 1872, in Houston Renfrewshire Scotland.
he was the fifth child of George Harper and his wife, Rachel (nee Spears)
his siblings were:

1) Rose
2) George
3) Caroline
4) Alfred
5) John

On 28th April 1903, John married Annie Leckie Bell, Annie gave birth to their daughter, Annie Jessie Harper on January 1st 1906. sadly, Annie died just 7 days later on 8th Jan 1906.